The Best Way to Handle Any Travel Dilemma

Any traveler knows that sinking feeling of boarding a plane only to get stuck with a less-than-desirable seatmate: someone who hogs that narrow, coveted armrest or brings an oversized duffel that encroaches on your legroom.

If you’ve ever resorted to a passive-aggressive nudge or, on the contrary, suffered through hours of transatlantic claustrophobia, you have experienced firsthand what not to do in this scenario. And T+L is here to make sure you don’t get stuck in those shoes again.

After all, the space-hogging seatmate is just one of the many frustrations that you might encounter when you leave home (you could also be sitting in front of a seat-kicker or a pungent passenger). Among other familiar—and dreaded—scenarios? Overbooked hotel rooms, missing your flight, cab drivers who want to stiff you, or worse—having to drive on the wrong side of the road. Travel is supposed to be a break from our stressful day-to-day existences, until the masseuse at the spa seems more intent on breaking you in half than putting you back together.

And yet, it’s all about your attitude. The bumps in the road are inevitable. But they can be fought or embraced as part of the journey. The way you react can make all the difference, whether you’re dealing with that seatmate, a reckless taxi driver, or a bad case of food poisoning.

Knowing the dos and don’ts of travel etiquette will help you go from an amateur to a sophisticated globe-trotter. You’ll feel empowered to haggle at a market abroad and be informed about what to do if you get hotel bill shock. And the following tips, dealing with common travel frustrations you’ll likely encounter on one dream trip or another, will prepare you to deal with the challenge with the utmost grace and poise.

So before you wave your napkin to an inattentive waiter as a white flag of surrender, brush up on your etiquette with these strategic travel tips.

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If Your Hotel is Overbooked

Plan ahead. Book directly with the hotel (or a travel management company) and confirm your reservation the night before.

Ask to be comped for your first night (at least), and transportation to your new hotel, if you're moved. You may also get restaurant or spa credits.

Don’t:

Be late. If you think your hotel is overbooked, arrive early. When factors are equal (as in, you're not part of a large group with a negotiated rate or a famous celebrity) the last guest to show up typically loses out.

Expect much. Hotels usually move guests to properties of equal or lesser value. Your hotel doesn’t want you too happy at the competition.

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If You're Ripped Off by Your Cab Driver

Know the estimated cost of your trip—and confirm it with the driver before you get in.

Call your hotel or restaurant and ask someone to speak to your driver in his or her native language if it seems like you’re being taken for a ride.

Don’t:

Forget to note the medallion or license number and report the driver to the authorities if you suspect fraud.

Pay with large bills, which invites the “I don’t have change” scam. Better to use small bills and coins in local currency. And wait until you (and your luggage) are out of the vehicle before paying the fare.

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If Your Airplane Seat is Broken

KLA/ Getty Images

Do:

Speak up, even when the problem seems minor. A creaky seat could mean a loose screw or a broken hinge, signaling a major safety concern.

Prepare for delays. If the seat is deemed unsafe, maintenance must be called. You may even be bumped to the next flight if there are no other seats: better one passenger left behind than hundreds of missed connections.

Don’t:

Despair. Flight attendants may have a solution (e.g., a portable DVD player to replace a broken seatback system, or duct tape for a snapped tray table latch).

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If You're Going to Miss Your Cruise

Do: Call the cruiseline. They all have toll-free emergency numbers, and you can tell them you’re delayed. In select cases, where many passengers are late, the cruise may postpone their embarkation.

Seek reimbursement. If you purchased Missed Connection insurance, your entire voyage could be refunded – some will even throw in a one-way ticket home. If you booked your flights with the cruise line, they might compensate the cost of travel to the next port of call.

Don’t:

Travel on the day you depart. Arrive at your embarkation city a day or two early to explore the port, ease into vacation mode, and get onboard with leisure.

Assume your trip is ruined. Depending on your itinerary, it may be possible to meet your ship at the next port of call as early as the next day.

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The Best Way to Handle Any Travel Dilemma

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